Topics: Celebrity, Hollywood, Joaquin Phoenix, Joker, Mexico, Film and TV
Joaquin Phoenix could be in danger of being blacklisted from Hollywood projects after he abandoned a movie just days before it went into production.
Phoenix has brought the world a whole range of gripping and entertaining characters throughout his career, but when it came to a new project from director Todd Haynes, the actor decided to step out of the spotlight.
Phoenix, who's next set to appear in Joker: Folie à Deux, was the one who first brought the untitled project to Haynes and his producers at Killer Films, and originally agreed to take part.
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The movie was said to tell the story of an intense gay romance in the 1930s, with Danny Ramirez, of Captain America: Brave New World, set to co-star.
However, just five days before production was set to get underway in Mexico, Phoenix backed out and left the rest of the cast and crew scrambling. The role is not set to be recast.
The actor has not spoken out to offer a clear reason for his departure, but Christine Vachon, a producer from Killer Films, shared an article about the situation in a since-deleted social media post and described it as a 'nightmare'.
Now, sources close to the project have spoken to The Hollywood Reporter and claimed Phoenix's exit has had big repercussions.
“There’s been a huge amount of outrage,” one studio exec told the publication.
Sources have allegedly claimed that 'some producers have idly talked about blackballing Phoenix' as a result of his sudden departure from the project, though they've reportedly acknowledged that his appearance in the highly-anticipated Joker sequel means he'll still be a hot topic in the industry.
Members of the producing community have reportedly suggested Phoenix could be hit with legal action over his departure, with other stars having previously been accused of breach of contract for similar exits.
However, one agent who is not connected to the Haynes movie told THR Phoenix is not likely to face significant repercussions, and may instead settle the issue by repaying the money already spent on the movie's production.
“As long as they threaten, he’ll settle. It’s nothing to him,” the agent claimed.
Though Phoenix has not explained his decision to leave, the actor previously told 60 Minutes’ Anderson Cooper he often feels 'petrified' when taking on a role.
He also expressed feeling 'nervous' that he won't be able to find 'the right kind of place to express' his ideas.
UNILAD has contacted representatives for Joaquin Phoenix for comment.
